UDOT
Construction Inspection Guide CHAPTER 2: Traffic Control
Published November 2012
Table of Contents Traffic Control Traffic Control
Traffic control is an important part of any construction project. Effective planning of traffic control is key to providing for the safety of workers ….
2.1
Inspection Preparation
The contractor is required to provide a project specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP) meeting the requirements of sections 01554 and 01554M…. Pre-Inspection
The inspector should become familiar with the project specific TCP and the MOT. The contractor must not begin work until the TCP is implemented….. Resources
Reference the requirements outlined in the SN and TC Standard Series Drawings, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), ….. Certification and Training
All construction personnel, from management to on- site work crew, should receive training in traffic control appropriate to their job description and duties …. Inspection
The contractor must provide for the safety of commuters, pedestrians, and construction personnel with effective traffic control planning…. General Documentation
Beyond the documentation of device type, location and/or spacing relative to traffic control and the general safety, or lack of safety…. Payments
The Department will make partial payments based on the percentage of the project completed, excluding the cost of traffic control ….. 01554 Checklist Traffic Control Inspection Items
2.2
Temporary Pavement Markings
All temporary pavement markings should be in accordance with chapter 3 of the MUTCD, except as indicated in section 6F.72….. 01558 Checklist
Temporary Pavement Marking Inspection Items
CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC CONTROL
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Chapter 2
Traffic control is an important part of any construction project. Effective planning of traffic control is key to providing for the safety of workers and the safe movement of traffic, including vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. During implementation of traffic control measures and throughout construction, work zone personnel must adhere to procedure and follow all regulations. Inspectors must be diligent in the inspection of measures to increase safety.
2.1 TRAFFIC CONTROL – SECTION 01554 The inspector must ensure that the contractor has provided for the safe and efficient movement of traffic whenever lane closures are required during construction, as well as the safety of the public and all work zone personnel. Of course, the contractor should minimize traffic disruptions by restricting lane closures to the locations and times essential to the prosecution of construction work.
INSPECTION PREPARATION The contractor is required to provide a project specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP) meeting the requirements of sections 01554 and 01554M. Ensure the contractor has timely submitted 3 hard or electronic copies of the project specific TCP to the Resident Engineer in the correct format, along with any authorized revisions. These should have been submitted no later than the fourth Wednesday following the bid opening. The TCP is project specific, so copies of standard TC drawings or other general plans will not suffice. Inspectors should request a copy, study it, and have it on hand at all times. Contracts often contain Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) special provisions, which include project specific requirements that need to be included in the contractor’s TCP. Inspectors should ensure the contractor has submitted and implemented a MOT, and should request a copy of that as well. Reference sections 01557 and 10557M for more information on MOT. Additionally, restrictions under which the contractor must develop and implement the TCP are sometimes defined in special provision section 00555M under “Limitation of Operations”. The inspector
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needs to review all applicable traffic control restrictions and requirements with the Engineer before any work begins on the project. Inspectors should be aware of hazard mitigation measures, and UDOT’s Hazard Mitigation Table is a good resource to have on hand.
PRE-INSPECTION The inspector should become familiar with the project specific TCP and the MOT. The contractor must not begin work until the TCP is implemented for the particular phase of work. Without written authorization from the Engineer, the contractor may not implement traffic control measures. The Department will not grant additional time for preparing the TCP, so it should be completed, submitted and approved by the time inspection takes place.
RESOURCES Reference the requirements outlined in the SN and TC Standard Series Drawings, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and section 01554M, subsection 1.8, for questions regarding traffic control generally. UDOT’s Workzone Traffic Control Guide and Hazard Mitigation Chart (Standard Drawing TC03 & TC03A) are also helpful resources. All of these can be found on UDOT’s web page under the “Inside UDOT” tab, and then follow links to “Operations”, and finally “Traffic and Safety”. The TCP should include detailed CAD drawings of actual project conditions such as grades, intersections and accesses, as well as proposed speed reductions, device spacing and lengths of work and buffer zones. Inspectors should be familiar with procedures for dealing with emergencies and special situations identified in the TCP. Discrepancies between the TCP and the various Standard Specifications should be resolved in accordance with section 00727, Control of Work, covered in Chapter 1.
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CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC CONTROL
CHAPTER 2 Contractors must take care to place and maintain temporary traffic control devices and pavement markings at all times to ensure the safety of pedestrians and drivers. This includes maintaining the visibility of devices and markers at night, in rain, and during and after snowfall. Inspectors should be familiar with all such safety regulations before arriving on the job site and have the following references on hand: • Copy of the approved project specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP) • Copy of the approved project specific Maintenance of Traffic Plan (MOT) • UDOT Hazard Mitigation Table • Current edition of the MUTCD for work zone traffic control • UDOT Construction Manual of Instruction (MOI) • UDOT Standard Specifications • Project Special Provisions • UDOT TC Series Standard Drawings • Copy of Construction Contingency Plan, if applicable. • Copy of railroad permission and schedule, if applicable.
CERTIFICATIONS
AND
TRAINING
All construction personnel, from management to on-site work crew, should receive training in traffic control appropriate to their job description and duties. Only those individuals who are properly trained and received required certifications should supervise the maintenance of TC and placement of certain devices associated with its management. The contractor may have appointed a Traffic Control Maintainer who must be certified as a Traffic Control Technician
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(TCT). These certifications are available through the Department or the American Traffic Safety Services Association, and for information go to Utah Department of Transportation Web Site. If appointed, the TCT will oversee all traffic operations, implement the TCP, and document traffic inspections on forms for the Engineer. The inspector should request to see copies of all required certifications for flaggers, barrel placers, and Traffic Control Maintainer, if applicable. Flaggers and barrel placers should have received proper training and certifications. They should also wear the required reflective clothing. Information on safety and training can be found on UDOT’s web page. Follow links under the “Inside UDOT” tab to “Operations”, Traffic and Safety”, “Workzone Safety”, and finally “Traffic Control Resources.” The Inspector must check the traffic control certifications of all work personnel involved in traffic control to ensure that the certifications have been obtained and are current. It is the contractor’s responsibility to send copies of all current certification cards to the Resident Engineer.
INSPECTION The contractor must provide for the safety of commuters, pedestrians, and construction personnel with effective traffic control planning and implementation throughout construction. The inspector must compare the TCP to conditions found at the job site. Drive through the various traffic lanes, ramps, exits, and any areas with merging to check for the safety and understanding of the TCP for motorists. Even though the TCP may be approved and properly implemented, motorists still may not understand some aspect of the traffic control measures, rendering the work zone unsafe. If this is found, immediately notify the contractor and make note of the conditions. Consider the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists and workers when inspecting traffic control measures. Pedestrians and bicyclists should be provided with safe, convenient, and easily accessible paths through work zones that do not lead to conflicts with vehicles or work site operations. Pay particular attention to their needs because of their sensitivity to dust, fumes, noise, uneven surfaces, and debris. Paths provided should try to replicate the usual route, or at least the most desirable characteristics of it. Ensure all requirements Page | 4
CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC CONTROL
CHAPTER 2 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are adhered to. Document any areas that are noncompliant with the ADA guidelines. The contractor should provide for delineation and temporary pavement markings on newly constructed asphalt. These markings should be refreshed and removed as required until the final surfacing is placed. For more information on temporary pavement markings, see the following section, 2.2. All existing traffic markings that conflict with the TCP must be completely removed. Concrete barriers or other positive protection must be provided for all hazards to approach traffic. Ensure approval has been obtained from the Department and law enforcement a minimum of 48 hours prior to any traffic slowdown. Highway Patrol Troopers or other law enforcement officers should assist to conduct the slowdown in required vehicles at required rates of one vehicle per lane. The contractor should provide additional vehicles as required by the officer. If construction activities will interfere with a railroad crossing or right of way, request documentation of permission from the railroad company and the schedule of those activities. If the Resident Engineer determined that a construction contingency plan was required, request a copy and become familiar with it.
DOCUMENTATION Beyond the documentation of device type, location and/or spacing relative to traffic control and the general safety, or lack of safety, of implemented traffic control measures, the inspector should document the time, location, and duration of any lane or shoulder closures and any other actions or events that affect the flow of traffic through the work zone. Make note of any unusual traffic and emergency vehicle movement. Ensure any modifications made to the TCP are also being implemented. If construction operations interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or have the potential to cause safety problems, immediately contact the contractor and request changes to those operations. Workers should be appropriately trained and dressed to reduce their vulnerability to motor vehicle traffic dangers, wearing high-visibility safety apparel. All devices and barriers should be placed to ensure their safety and reduce traffic speed. Inspectors should randomly measure device placement, construction clear zones, and taper lengths to ensure mini- mum requirements are met. Inspectors should also ensure the proper location of arrow boards, Variable Message Signs, and hazard panels.
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The contractor should use traffic control devices, systems, crash cushions, and truck mounted attenuators that meet NCHRO-350 Report crash test requirements as defined by the Federal Highway Administration. While there are some exceptions noted in Section 1554M 1.7, inspectors should ensure that the contractor is aware of and has met those requirements. Precast concrete barriers should also be certified for crash test safety, so look for a manufacturing stamp date on top of each barrier with dates after October 1st, 2002. Advanced warning arrow panels and portable variable message signs do not have to meet the requirement. For additional information on device acceptability, refer to Appendix A. Portable Variable Message Signs (VMS) are widely used in traffic control, and must be placed per project specific requirements. Inspectors will find those requirements in the MOT plan. The contractor must place the VMS so the viewing angle is perpendicular to that of motorists, on the appropriate date (usually 7 to ten days in advance of construction), in the correct location, and displaying the correct message with all lights in the message in working order. There are a few other things the inspector should be aware of on the job site. The con- tractor’s TCP should provide for sufficient room for construction related vehicles to slow down prior to entering the work zone without disrupting traffic or being forced to stop in traffic lanes. Construction lighting should not blind oncoming traffic. Finally and most importantly, inspectors should check on the effectiveness of traffic control measures under varying conditions including wet weather, nighttime, and snow accumulation.
PAYMENTS The Department will make partial payments based on the percentage of the project completed, excluding the cost of traffic control. The Department will reduce payment when traffic control is not in compliance with the TCP, or when the contractor fails to meet all requirements. Inspectors should note any deviation from the TCP or any requirement in the daily logs. Stop work orders may be issued for non-compliance. Modifications to the TCP are generally paid by a pre-negotiated unit price or lump sum, so note any modifications in the daily reports as well. Page | 6
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CHAPTER 2
In summary, inspection items include, but are not limited to, the items in the following table: Common Issues: 1. Dirty devices 2. Diagonal direction of channelizing device face or panel 3. Improper spacing on tapers
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SECTION 01554 INSPECTION CHECKLIST 01554 - TRAFFIC CONTROL INSPECTION ITEMS Evaluation of traffic and pedestrian flow in and adjacent to work zones. Proper speed limits are posted along the entire length of that section of roadway. Approved speed limits are effective for maintaining safety. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the safety measures of the TCP, including during night time hours. Traffic control device compliance with NCHRP 350. Reflective sheeting compliance with UDOT specifications on signs and devices. Traffic control signs and devices are clean and in good working condition. Proper size and spacing of traffic control signs and devices. Placement of all hazard signs for proper direction of striping. Proper taper lengths. Proper installation and replacement of crash cushions on blunt objects as required. Proper distances barrels, crash cushions, and stored equipment from Construction work zones. Approval of all slowdowns. Proper temporary pavement marking placement and maintenance. Evaluation of all signs for continued applicability, including removal of markings. Traffic Control Maintainer is UDOT certified. All TC work zone personnel hold current required certifications.
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CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC CONTROL
Check arrow boards and variable message signs/ boards (VMS) for the following: Proper size for the classification of road Proper alignment to the road Proper alignment to the on-coming driver All lights for message are working Proper brightness for day and night operation Message can be read by drivers in the time allotted by the VMS
Pre-Inspection Items Contractor’s superintendent and traffic control maintainer have a copy of the project specific approved TCP and MOT, including any authorized revisions or modifications. Contractor follows the approved TCP, including proper signing, taper lengths, device spacing, acceptable clear zone, hazard mitigation, and device maintenance. Traffic control devices comply with NCHRP 350 requirements and meet “acceptable” criteria per the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) Quality Standards for Work Zone Traffic Control Devices. Traffic Control Maintainer is UDOT certified, if applicable. Flagging personnel and barrel placers are properly certified.
Field Documentation Items Contractor is performing daily traffic control inspection reports in accordance with Section 01554 and 01554S. Traffic is moving safely and the safety of the public and workers is provided for. Acceptable covering or removal of inapplicable signing and pavement markings. Traffic control device compliance.
CHAPTER 2
2.2 TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKINGS – SECTION 01558 All temporary pavement markings should be in accordance with chapter 3 of the MUTCD, except as indicated in section 6F.72, and should be maintained to provide for the safety of the public and construction personnel. In areas where it is not possible to provide clear pavement markings, other methods such as warning signs and channeling devices should be utilized.
PRE-INSPECTION The inspector should ensure that the contractor has an approved Traffic Control Plan (TCP) and review the sections applicable to temporary pavement markings. Inspectors should be familiar with requirements such as materials and paint application minimum lengths. Refer to sections 01558 and 01558M for material requirements. Coordinate all project sampling, testing and certification through materials testing technician for quality verification.
INSPECTION Ensure temporary pavement markings are utilized where called for in the TCP and care- fully reviewed during daytime and nighttime periods. Marking application should meet all requirements in the TCP, the MUTCD and the Standard Specifications. Paint applications that are no longer applicable should be removed or obliterated as soon as practical. Pavement markings should be placed along the entire length of any detour or road- way, and should be maintained and reviewed for continued applicability.
PAYMENTS Temporary pavement markings are considered incidental to other items of work; no separate measurement or payment is made by the Department, unless there is a specific bid item included in the proposal. All costs are to be included in Traffic Control.
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SECTION 01558 INSPECTION CHECKLIST 01558 - TEMPORARY PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Pre-Inspection Items All materials are sampled, tested and certified per requirements. Approved TCP and any modifications.
Field Documentation Items Paint application rate meets minimum requirements. Markings are applied along the entire length of any roadway surfaces opened to traffic, and they are maintained and removed as required. Placement and layout of markings is in accordance with approved TCP and any modifications. Tapers meet required minimum lengths. Acceptable marking width, spacing, and required lane widths. Acceptable removal of inapplicable markings. Pavement marking tape is applied according to manufacturer’s directions.
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CHAPTER 2: TRAFFIC CONTROL
Construction Inspection Guide Chapter Links
1-Preface & Introduction
2-Traffic Control
3-Demolition and Earthwork
4-Drainage
5-Pavement & Materials
6-Structures
7-Traffic Signals, Lighting, ATMS
8-Striping, Signing, Safety Features
9-Landscaping, Fencing, Incidental Const.
10-Utilities
11-PDBS
12-Crash Cushion & Barrier End Treatments
Construction Inspection Guide
udot.utah.gov/go/construction